$9,315.00 USD
Struck during the reign of King Charles V of France (known as “Charles the Wise”), the Franc à Pied was introduced as part of a monetary reform aimed at stabilizing France’s war-torn economy in the aftermath of the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death. The coin derives its name from the standing figure of the king depicted “à pied” (on foot), emphasizing royal authority and justice. The Franc à Pied is an iconic gold issue of late medieval France and one of the earliest representations of a monarch standing in full regalia on coinage.
Obverse: Displays the crowned, mantled figure of King Charles V, standing frontally beneath a Gothic architectural canopy, holding a sword in his right hand and a scepter topped by the Hand of Justice in his left. The legend reads: “KAROLVS • DI • GR | FRAnCORV • RЄX”, with saltire stops, translating to “Charles, by the Grace of God, King of the Franks.” This design conveys both martial readiness and sacred kingship.
Reverse: Features a cross fleury within a quadrilobe, with alternating crowns and fleurs-de-lis in the angles and additional fleurs in the spandrels. The legend “+XPC • VIИCIT • XPC • RЄGИAT • XPC • IMPЄRAT” (Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands) affirms divine approval of royal rule and was commonly used on medieval French coinage to reinforce the king's sacred authority.
Graded NGC MS63, this coin is a choice uncirculated example with exceptional detail and bold central relief. It bears even comportment throughout with very little weakness, a rare quality in hammered medieval gold. Weighing approximately 3.72 grams, and cataloged under Fr-284, Dup-360, this specimen stands out for its artistry, strike quality, and high state of preservation.
